Teachers are Heroes Like Never Before - Muscogee

Report to the Community

November 2021

Since March of 2020, teachers have shown they are real American heroes. Like never before, teachers reimagined their classrooms, continuing to make vital connections with their students. They taught from their makeshift home offices, or in a classroom alone, to three dozen students via computers and cell phones. They taught in their classrooms with a dozen students in their room: and another dozen students sitting at their kitchen tables, living room couches or bedrooms.

They maintained connections with their students – that relationship that is so vital to teaching and learning – by creating two classrooms. The in-person classroom, which always required lots of preparation and planning, came with a new challenge. How do you stay socially distant and get to know a student, despite a mask covering up so much of their face? The virtual classroom necessitated unprecedented plan-ning. How do you teach a child to write if you can’t place your hand over theirs? How do you conduct a science experiment when the student doesn’t have the equipment at home? What does a teacher do if that at-home child is sharing the internet connection with siblings, and sometimes also having to ‘watch over’ those younger siblings? How do you engage an at-home student in a lively exchange about how to solve a math problem? How do you discuss a book or a history lesson?

The challenges seemed insurmountable … yet teach-ers found a way. They learned how to create on-line lessons; how to develop and troubleshoot technology (theirs and their students). Most of all, they created a learning atmosphere for their students, while helping them with the myriad of challenges that everyone faced during the pandemic. They figured out what their students needed outside of school: a listening ear, activities, food, books, a caring heart and so much more. They cared. They learned. They did what they always do – they taught.

With the help of you, our community supporters, the Muscogee Educational Excellent Foundation (MEEF) continued our mission: to recognize and reward exceptional teachers. In this first-ever Report to the Community, you’ll read how teachers overcame chal-lenges; what inspires them; the stories of what the support of the community means to them; and how – despite a world-wide pandemic – these teachers still do what they do best. They teach.

The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation was founded in 1996 with the mission of advocat-ing for excellence in education by recognizing and rewarding exceptional teachers. We believe there’s nothing more important to our community’s future than strengthening our public schools. We strive to enhance the quality of our educational system by focusing on those who have the most direct impact on our students – teachers. With a significant financial investment in, and a passionate advocacy for teach-ers, MEEF has evolved into one of the leading advo-cates of excellence in public education in our region.

To help support exceptional teachers, visit our website at meefofcolumbus.org.

Teachers are Heroes Like Never Before

Teachers did the seemingly impossible. They overcame challenges. They reached out and did whatever it took to connect with their students. Like never before, they did what they always do best. They were teachers – amazing teachers.

—Dr. David Lewis MCSD Superintendent

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The pandemic changed just about everything in our schools.

And when it did, teachers adapted. They showed resilience and flexibil-ity. They found the resources they needed to be there for their students. Because that’s what exceptional teachers do.

Through the generosity of MEEF donors, MEEF spent this time support-ing teachers. We provided tangible proof of our appreciation with monthly gifts and financial incentives through our Teacher of the Year and Harvard Fellows/Buntin Scholars programs (the MEEF masks and umbrellas were a big hit early on!). We cheered teachers on with notes of encouragement and appreciation. We listened to their stories – the stories teachers wanted to tell of how they were reaching and teaching our students. We shared their stories via MEEF’s e-news and social media. We know you join us in celebrating these extraordinary teachers, and the exceptional work they do for our community’s children.

An Unprecedented YearYou can’t know how

much we appreciate the kindnesses that MEEF has shown me and my fellow teachers this year. It is so nice to feel appre-ciated as we journey through the unprecedent-ed challenges of these past months.

—Rachel PotenzaDawson Elementary Buntin Scholar 2022

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Harvard Fellows/Buntin ScholarsProgram expands to impact learning for more students

The Harvard Fellows program focuses on educational excellence by offering innovative and exceptional teachers an opportunity to grow in their profes-sion. Since the program’s inception in 2012, 62 MCSD teachers have been selected to spend a week at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The Project Zero Classroom program HFs attend is in sync with MEEF’s mission and helps increase our teacher’s capacity to improve learning for all children.

In early 2020, MEEF was gifted an amazing opportunity by a local group of community leaders who wanted to fund a new part of the Harvard Fellows program, naming it in honor of one of MEEF’s founders, past Superintendent Dr. Jim Buntin. We are delighted that MEEF’s program is now the Harvard Fellows/Buntin Scholars. The vision of these generous donors was to close the gap for MCSD schools that do not have a Harvard Fellow. Working closely with MCSD, six elementary school teachers were selected as part of our first class of Buntin Scholars. Partnering with other Harvard Fellows, this cadre of teach-ers will be better equipped to be teacher leaders, working within their schools to enrich and create new learning opportunities, knowledge and expertise.

Most importantly, this professional development enhances instruction for students to help them think more critically and creatively. It helps teachers assess student work in ways that deepen learning. The summer learning experience was postponed in 2020 and 2021, but will resume in 2022 on the Harvard campus, where MEEF will fund an expanded class of almost 30 teachers, whose professional careers will be changed forever by this exceptional professional development.

Vanessa Ellis Veterans Memorial Middle

Harvard Fellow 2018

Teaching a class virtually and in person, while masked and socially distanced, was a challenge for all teachers. Vanessa Ellis’ normal classroom demeanor has her flying around the classroom where students follow her every move, as they know she’s likely to break into a rap about whatever topic they are studying. “Fortunately, I videotaped some of the lessons, rapping about social studies topics for my students, which they loved. It was using a differ-ent format, but it was still Mrs. Ellis teaching. I got the chance to demonstrate to students that there are hard things you’ve got to overcome and we did it together. The pandemic became a life lesson for all of us.”

Harvard Fellows 2022


Attending Harvard’s Project Zero was a life-changing experience and a highlight in my career as a teacher.

—Afton PownallBritt David Magnet Academy

Harvard Fellow 2017

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“ Robert HarrisJordan Vocational College

and Career Academy Harvard Fellow 2016

Robert Harris is an automo-tive mechanics teacher at Jordan Vocational College and Career Academy. In a way he never imagined, Robert says Harvard’s Project Zero prepared him for teaching in the pandem-ic. “I pulled out all my books and notes from Harvard and called some of my fellow HFs to brain-storm. I taught my students who were in the class – in this case, the automotive lab – to help teach those kids who were virtu-al. They not only mastered the material, but helping teach it, participating in their own learn-ing, was a much more meaning-ful experience.”

Buntin Scholars 2022 with the Lunch Bunch

Harvard Fellows 2019


As we worked to help our students adapt, there were other lessons they learned. During the pandemic, our kids witnessed struggles everywhere. This was a ‘real’ lesson that was happening all around them. As teachers, we had to demonstrate that the only way we would outlast this was by helping one another, working together. Our students learned this lesson and it’s one they’ll use forever.

—Kimberly EvansEast Columbus Magnet Academy

Harvard Fellow 2019

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“ Leadership Makes the Difference

Carmen Estes Fox Elementary

Harvard Fellow 2017

Carmen Estes, Fox Elementary, noted that teachers themselves had to do a lot of learning. “We had to learn new things and new ways of teaching. In some ways, it was a good lesson for us. We teach flexibility and resourceful-ness to our students, so with the virtual classroom we had to put that flexibility and resourceful-ness to the test.”

Teachers frequently tell students, “It’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how you learn.” For Carmen, the virtual classroom showed her students exactly that. “Teachers had to be okay with making mistakes in front of their students and I think it’s helped us as we are back in person. Students saw that we were trying to get better. It made kids trust us even more. That’s a great lesson for teachers and students.”


Dr. David Lewis embraces MEEF’s mission of recognizing and rewarding exceptional teachers. As MCSD Superintendent, Lewis is aware of the incredible support our community has for teachers and the role MEEF plays in that support. “What MEEF does for our teachers is magnificent. There’s no other school system in the country that does the Teacher of the Year (TOTY) program like MEEF does. The Harvard Fellows, and now Buntin Scholars program, is remarkable in that it makes exceptional teachers into teacher leaders, impacting thousands of our students.”

Lewis notes that MEEF tells the stories of exceptional teachers – and the students they teach - in ways that are meaningful and appreciated. “The way MEEF constantly extols our teachers makes them feel respected and valued. Teachers deserve recognition for the amazing job they do every day in our schools, and we are grateful that MEEF supporters show their appreciation in so many ways.”

Leadership Makes the Difference David Lewis’ leadership, his commitment to excellence, and his vision of making our school system one of the finest in the country is extraordinary. He has great respect for teachers, and from what I hear and see, it’s a mutual feeling. He is an integral part of our community, partnering with any organization that wants to be involved in, and support our school system. His leadership has been critical to the continued success of our entire region.”

—Jimmy YanceySynovus CEO, Retired

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Lisa Seegar, has many stories. Like the stories of all exceptional teachers, Lisa’s are told through her students.

“Last year, I was picking up dinner at a fast-food restaurant. As the young lady handed me my food, she screamed. Startled, I looked at her and recognized her as a former student from several years ago. I couldn’t believe her reaction. She was happy to see me—which was a first!

For the 180 days I had her in my classroom, I tried desperately to make a connection with her. She scowled and rolled her eyes from the minute she walked into my class, until she walked out. If she wasn’t scowling, she was putting her head down, and I was constantly asking her to pick it back up. She maintained A’s and B’s in class that year, but never seemed to enjoy class, or me for that matter. That’s why her reaction was such a pleasant surprise. She said she was attending CSU and majoring in education. My heart swelled with excitement for her, and I will remember the next few minutes of our conversation for the rest of my life.”

“Over the years I have learned that my role is not to be the dispenser of knowledge in my classroom. Google can do that. My role is far more profound! I have the opportunity to create learning experiences that bring science to life for my students.”

—Lisa Seegar

Getting Kids to FALL IN LOVE with LearningLisa Seegar Named MCSD Teacher of

the Year 2021meefofcolumbus.org | 8

Due to the pandemic, the 56 Teacher of the Year (TOTY) Honorees representing all MCSD schools served for two years, culminating in the virtual Teacher of the

Year Gala in May 2021.

“I want students to remember me as a teacher that loved them unconditionally and provided them with valuable learning experiences that made them fall in love with learning.”

—Lisa Seegar

The former student went on to tell Lisa that she wanted to teach 7th grade math so that she could have an impact on someone’s life—like Lisa had on hers. “She was so grateful that I had never given up on her.” The young woman contin-ued, “Every day you smiled and showed me love that I needed at that time in my life. I just didn’t know how to receive it. I’m so glad that you are here now so that I can tell you what you mean to me.”

Lisa says those moments stay with a teacher. “Each day, teachers fill classrooms all across America teaching curricu-lum, but more importantly, teaching students that are in the process of writing their life’s story. The amazing thing about the power of a teacher is that uplifting the students in our classrooms doesn’t just benefit that single student. A teacher’s influence benefits students, families, friends, and neighbors. A teacher’s impact from one positive student relationship reach-es dozens, hundreds, or thousands! Teachers can change lives. Does it not get any more significant than that?”

Lisa Seegar, the MCSD Teacher of the Year 2021, teaches 5th grade Science at Britt David Magnet Academy. Seegar is a ‘home-grown’ teacher, graduating from Jordan Vocational High School and Columbus State University. She is a Harvard Fellow 2012.


Generous Donors Support Exceptional Teachers YOU – our generous MEEF donors make it possible to recognize and reward these exceptional teachers and the incredible impact they make in the lives of their students. We are most grateful for your support.

For teachers, community support is crucial. Knowing the community is rallying around us, cheering us on and encouraging us, has been a beautiful thing to feel. MEEF plays a huge role in making that happen.

—Kunicko ByrdG.W. Carver

Harvard Fellow 2022

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$10,000-$20,000AflacDr. and Mrs. Jim* BuntinMs. Janet Davis*W.C. Bradley Co. Mr. and Mrs. John WaldenMr. and Mrs. James D. Yancey

$5,000-$9,999Mr. Scott Allen*/2WR + PartnersMr. and Mrs. Dan AmosMr. and Mrs. Steve ButlerColumbus State UniversityMr. and Mrs. Kerry* HandKinetic Credit UnionMarc and Marlene OliviéThe Honorable Richard* and

Mrs. SmithMr. and Mrs. Clifford Swift, IIISynovusThe Honorable Judy Thomas*TSYS/Global Payments

$2,500-$4,999Brasfield & GorrieColumbus Water WorksHall Booth Smith P.C.Hughston ClinicMr. and Mrs. Robert* Kidd/

Hecht Burdeshaw Mr. and Mrs. Bob KoonMr. and Mrs. John MartinMuscogee Retired Educators

AssociationMr. Bill Reaves/Containers by

ReavesMr. and Mrs. John ShinkleVirtucom

$1,000-$2,499Mr. and Mrs. Newt* Aaron/

Aaron Clements, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Rick AlexanderThe Honorable Gary AllenBurger KingCentegixMr. J. Edgar ChancellorThe Reverend and Mrs. Jimmy ElderDr. Miles and Mrs. Rita* Ellis

Freeman and AssociatesDr. Spencer Garrard and The Reverend

Dr. Cindy GarrardMr. and Mrs. Jack GoldfrankMrs. Richard R. HallockMr. and Mrs. Madden Hatcher, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Robert HechtMr. and Mrs. Ken HensonMr. and Mrs. Bruce HowardHughston ClinicKatie and Justin KriegKayron and John LaskaLexia LearningMr. and Mrs. Derek* MannDr. Chris and Mrs. Bridget* MarkwoodMarquette* and Rick McKnightMallory McRaeOUTFRONT MediaMr. and Mrs. Jack PezoldPiedmont Columbus RegionalMr. and Mrs. Alan RamsayDr. and Mrs. Richard RobbinsDr. Carlton G. SavoryMr. William ScrantomClaud A. Sears FoundationMrs. Paula Shaw-Powell †Superior Court Judge Art SmithSpud Bowen & AssociatesDr. Franklin J. StarMr. and Mrs. Warren* SteeleMr. and Mrs. Brad TurnerMr. and Mrs. Rick UsseryMr. and Mrs. Robert WadkinsDr. and Mrs. David* WhiteMr. and Mrs. Troy Woods

$500-$999Storie † and Mark AtkinsLori Auten

David BassMr. and Mrs. George BoydJessica Burnett †Mr. John J. Cobis †Ms. Stacy Day †Mr. and Mrs. Greg EllingtonMr. Larry L. GalbraithMr. and Mrs. Madden Hatcher, IIIJohn Dale* and Jill HesterChristine Hull †Mr. and Mrs. Roderick HunterJames JarrellDawn Jenkins †Tina and Don JonesDr. and Mrs. Ashok KumarShane Larkin †*Dr. David †* and Mrs. Karen LewisStephen and Laurie † McRaeMr. and Mrs. Jay PeaseMr. and Mrs. Chris PeeblesRon Pleasant †Robinson Grimes & Company P.C.The Honorable William and

Mrs. Becky RumerDr. Yvette Scarborough †John StacyMartha Ann Todd*Phil and Anita TomlinsonMike and Teddie UsseryScott VoynichJoseph WaldrepMike Welch*Lisa Whitaker †Mr. and Mrs. Len*WilliamsRobert H. and Lynne Wolford

$200-$499Mr. and Mrs. Mizell AlexanderJennifer Allen

*Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation Board/Staff † MCSD Employee/School Board


Thank you for pouring light and love into teachers. MEEF has made us feel worthy in this most important work that we do – the work of teaching your children.

—Wendy SandsRichards Middle

Harvard Fellow 2015

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Ronda Allen †John AnkerRoyce and Tamara ArdDr. Nicole Baugh †Bill Bell/Energy SaversBilly and Olivia BlanchardChuck BoothNancy BorenSherida BrannanRinda BrewbakerCarl Brown*Judy BrownDr. and Mrs. Frank BrownMr. Mike Buckner and

The Honorable Debbie BucknerGail BurgosPamela CarterKaren* and Dennis CookMr. and Mrs. Steve* DavisDr. Susan Elder †Florence Evermon †Craig Fitts †Mr. and Mrs. George FlowersMary Jane GalerShalon Gillespie †Cindy GodwinMelanie Gouine †*Mr. John F. Greenman and

Dr. Alice BudgeDr. and Mrs. Tom* HackettCheryl Hampel †Wendy HardingAlan † and Amy Harkness Mr. and Mrs. Roger HatcherLance Henderson †Mr. and Mrs. Selvin HollingsworthDr. Michael and Mrs. Janice HudsonMr. and Mrs. William HuffJulie Jackson †Mr. and Mrs. Charlie JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Robert JonesGloria and Fred JonesDonna* and Billy KempMr. and Mrs. Paul Kilpatrick Dr. Kim LesterTara LewisColin MartinThe Doctors Marty and Sandy McCannMedia, Marketing and More! Inc.Janice Miley †Virgil MillerLucius D. MortonDr. Nora NgoColonel (Ret.) Richard NurnbergJeanella Pendleton †Dr. Robin PennockDr. and Mrs. John A. † Phillips, Jr.Lynne Phillips

Michelle PriceMr. and Mrs. Andy M. RedmondMrs. Mary ReedMr. and Mrs. Lowry ReidJosh* and Amanda ReynoldsThe Honorable Ben RichardsonMarianne Richter †Margaret Lacy Riles †Steven Ring †Jeff RussellMs. Wanda RutledgeMr. and Mrs. Larry SandersWendy Sands † Jennifer Sappington †Cami SawtelleLisa Seegar †Keith M. Seifert †*Dr. Shikha ShahMr. and Mrs. Guy* SimsTeresa Szabo †Natalie Teasley †Louise TolbertTripp and Alice WadeLisa WaltersMr. and Mrs. William WhatleyDr. Draveious White †David and Dominique Williams

Brenda Williams*Mr. and Mrs. Richard WilsonLindsey Woods †Brent Wright

$100-$199Bethany Ailstock †Dr. and Mrs. Joel AmesLatisha Archibold †Kevin D. Aviles †Barge Design Solutions, Inc.Matt Bell †Charlotte BlandNaomi Buckner †Dr. and Mrs. Carmen CavezzaMr. and Mrs. Ryan ClementsCharles ClippingerFaye Coleman Dr. Marlene Culpepper †Ebone' Cutts †Mr. and Mrs. Don DakinMrs. Mable DitchfieldDr. Michael Edmondson †Mr. and Mrs. Scott FergusonMr. and Mrs. Tom FlournoyCholana Foley †Mr. and Mrs. R. Walker GarrettMr. and Mrs. Thomas GatesDavid Goldberg †Mr. Joseph GoldenMr. and Mrs. Thomas HeltonMr. Michael and Dr. Betty HippsRoss HornerJeff HudsonSherry JenkinsJeff W. KeffeMr. and Mrs. Dan KeimWes* and Selwyn KelleyMr. and Mrs. Jack Key, IIISendreka Lakes*Sherry LoweryMr. & Mrs. Frank G. Lumpkin Sheridan MannLi and Sam MasseyBrenda Merritt †Wendy MockMbonya Guinyard Myers †Linda* and Tony NguyenMadena ParkerMr. and Mrs. Donald PeekLaura Perryman †Betsy Reed/Ritch ElectricMr. and Mrs. Todd ReeserMr. and Mrs. Michael RobbinsThe Honorable Randy and

Mrs. Theresa RobertsonMr. Bobby RochaGwen Ruff


Councilor Judy Thomas

Councilor Judy Thomas served two years as the MEEF Board Chair and actively continues that service on the MEEF where she is a most generous donor. She is an ardent and vocal supporter of MCSD teachers and was a leader in the development of the Harvard Fellows/Buntin Scholars program.

For all that she does to advo-cate for excellence in education, Judy is the recipient of the 2021 Jim Buntin Leadership Award for Excellence in Education. The award is named in honor of retired superintendent Dr. Jim Buntin, who along with Jack Goldfrank, started MEEF.

For her tireless support and dedication to recognizing and rewarding exceptional teach-ers, we are grateful.

Iris SaltielRachel SchmidtDacia Sheffield †Mr. and Mrs. Michael SilversteinMr. and Mrs. Murray SolomonDr. and Mrs. John R. Stephenson Ann TankersleyKathy Tessin †Andrea Toole †Mr. and Mrs. Tyler TownsendMr. and Mrs. William TuckerMr. and Mrs. Billy TurnerDr. Angela Vickers-Ward †Dr. and Mrs. Thomas WadeFaye WatsonLorrie Watt †Ty* and Katie WebbWest Georgia Plumbing SupplyJames Wilson †Mr. Rodney Wolfinger

$1-$99Ryan AdamsAmir AnsarTodd ArringtonMr. and Mrs. Bruce BaconBill BarrowMichelle BeinMary BenesSusan BerryHeather Bolin †Vickey BonnetteDeAndre BowmanPagianna Boykin †Kathy BraddockJoel BriscoAmy BryanGayle BuieKim BushKunicko Byrd †Marc CalabreseColonel (Ret.) and Mrs. Greg CampLinda CampbellKat CannellaSherah Cash †Lois CassasSusan CheneyCasey ChesserJosh and Erica ChestnuttMr. and Mrs. Cecil ChevesMs. Sheree ChristieMichael Collier †Ernie ConnerNatalie Couch †Phillip DabitVo DamStacey Darrisaw

Sabrina DavisCarolyn DavisSherricka DayMr. and Mrs. Chris DealHeather Delgado †Lisa DeRoche*Martha DimonLizzie DiquattroCarrie Dst †Judy DuckworthBrandon DurrahSandy EarickTheresa El-AminVanessa † and Oliver † EllisJane EtheridgeKimberly Evans †Jessica EzzellDr. Jacqueline Flakes †David FletcherChris FloydTina FloydDr. Michelle FoltaSylvia FosterEgan FosterCarleen FrokjerRoyal GardnerDenise GenungPam GetkinDr. Tabitha Ginther †Cassie GodbeyAnita Godwin †Michele Gore †Richie GranthamTravis GreeneMaria GriffisChristy Grigsby †Bob HancockWill HandalPenny Harper


Being a Top Ten Teacher of the Year … and now a Harvard Fellow, I am so appreciative of all that MEEF does to recognize teachers. MEEF has given teachers some incredible opportunities and I cannot thank you enough for all that you do to make teachers feel valued.

—Steven Ring Allen Elementary

Harvard Fellow 2022

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”Katie Holbrook †Todd HollandGlenda HowellEna HuntJan HyattKatherine JohnsonBrooke Jones-DevlinSam KanddJessica KatzJason KaupJamie KeatingRhonda KeesPat KelleyAndy KelleyJanet KempAllison Kennedy-OwenBarbara KennonIlene KentMeredith KingJulie KingTwila KirklandLori LandDr. Stefan Lawrence †Peggy LedfordWanda LivingstonDanita LloydKatrina Long †Karen LordLaura LowePeggy LukerAndy Luker*Tammy McBee †Ann McDuffieKarlyn McConnell MaceJessie McGraw-HillTamika McKenzieBruce McKenzieAllen McMullenJudy McNeal

Sheri McVayJanice Miley †Amy Miller †Rowena MorganShantavies MorganSuzanne MortonTerri Myers †Gwen NewtonPhong NguyenMyloan NguyenRuth NicholsRebecca NicolsonPat PageJames PatrickGabriele PattersonGeorge PerrellaLashawn PetersonPaul PierceRachel Potenza †Mr. and Mrs. Tommy PrescottRussell PriceCharlotte QuirkAmy ReedAndrea Reese †Bryan ReneMr. and Mrs. Cliff RobertsonDr. Buddy and Mrs. Sue RogersKevin SassKim ShawJudy SheppardMary SierraJosha-lyn SimsLisa N. Sitz †Amittia Smith †Trish SmithBrian SmithRon SpeerDr. and Mrs. George E. StantonSusan Strickland

Elaine TarpleyBen ThamesMeriellen ThomasTillford Thomas, Sr.Kathryn ThompsonAmy ThorntonEbbie TompkinsMike Venable and Jill TignerTravis and Mitchi WadeCandice WaymanRonald and Karen WestNora White WelbornDr. Ronald Wiggins †Nick WilliamsKelly Williams-SowersPhilip Wright


While we might not always know what hardships our students face at home, I believe one of my responsibilities is to create a stable learning environment where students are able to learn—and a safe haven where they can grow. When I reflect on my time in school and how I thrived on the nurturing relationships I formed with my teachers; how they pushed me to my fullest potential, it fills my heart to know that I now have the opportunity to do the same for my students ... preparing them for life beyond the classroom walls.

—Chelsie RogersNorthside High

Top Three TOTY Honoree 2021

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Charlie Adams Dr. and Mrs. John A. Phillips, Jr. Alan Arrington Todd ArringtonEd Barnwell Dr. Robin Pennock Dr. and Mrs. John A. Phillips, Jr. Donald Caldwell Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsMichael Edmondson Royce and Tamara Ard Judy Brown Dr. Jim and Mrs. Nancy Buntin Kat Canella Sabrina Davis Theresa El-Amin Rita and Miles Ellis Dr. Spencer and The Reverend

Dr. Cindy Garrard Melanie Gouine Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Hand Jan Hyatt Billy and Donna Kemp Sendreka Lakes Shane Larkin Ann McDuffie Marquette and Rick McKnight Amy Reed Kim Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Warren Steele Ben Thames Judy Thomas Kelly Williams-Sowers

Sarah Garrett Dr. Jim and Mrs. Nancy Buntin Marquette and Rick McKnightMeridith Jarrell James JarrellTina Jones Chuck Booth Kathy Braddock Ernie Conner Janet Davis Jimbo Davis Chris and Linda Deal Rita and Miles Ellis Sylvia Foster Shalon Gillespie Glenda Howell Jeff Hudson Christine Hull Fred and Gloria Jones Jeff W. Keffe Peggy Ledford Peggy Luker Li and Sam Massey Marquette and Rick McKnight Sheri McVay Moon, Meeks and Associates, Inc. Madeana Parker Mr. and Mrs. Donald Peek Betsy Reed/Ritch Electric Josh and Amanda Reynolds Cami Sawtelle Rachel Schmidt Elaine Tarpley

In Memory of Faye Watson Ronald and Karen West Robert and Lynne WolfordJudy Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsShirley Loflin Dr. Franklin J. StarBeverly Marion Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsB.J. McBride Dr. and Mrs. John A. Phillips, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsFlorence Pendleton Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsCol. Bob Poydasheff Dr. Buddy and Mrs. Sue RogersDel Pratt Tina and Don Jones Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsKarl Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsRaymechia Smith Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsSusan Squires Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsBarbara Star Dr. Franklin J. StarHarry L. Vernon Jeanella PendletonMary G. Walker Crooks Mr. and Mrs. Guy SimsJohn Washington Mr. and Mrs. Guy Sims


Karlyn has a teaching mantra. “A good lesson is not one that is well taught, but one that is well learned.” This belief encourages Karlyn to keep students as the center focus of all that she does, providing learning experienc-es that blend content and life lessons. “When I come across a difficult piece of material, I ask students how they would like to learn the information. I have received some wonderful ideas from students. It’s true that to be a successful teacher, you must also learn from your students.

—Karlyn MaceColumbus High

Top Three TOTY Honoree 2021Harvard Fellow 2015

Tom and Sherry Wade Lisa WaltersAmber Newton Gwen NewtonDr. John and Mrs. Suzanne Phillips Dr. Robin PennockSusan Ray Mrs. Richard R. HallockChelsie Rogers Dave and Dominique WilliamsGuy Sims Janet DavisEd Sprouse Fred and Gloria JonesMEEF Staff Mr. and Mrs. Kerry HandTeresa Szabo Kathy BraddockJudy Thomas Mr. and Mrs. R. Walker Garrett Marquette and Rick McKnight Mr. and Mrs. Andy Redmond Dave and Dominique WilliamsDebby Whatley Mr. and Mrs. George FlowersMr. and Mrs. Mickey Witt Donna and Billy Kemp Wynnton Arts Academy Ann Tankersley

Since this Community Report covers more than the regular school year, we have included donors from June 2019-June 2021. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. However, if an error has been made, please

accept our apology. If you will call it to our attention, we will gladly correct it in our next publication.

Dr. Frank Brown Dr. and Mrs. Ashok KumarDr. Jim and Mrs. Nancy Buntin Janet Davis Michael Edmondson Mr. and Mrs. Michael RobbinsDr. Jim Buntin Kayron and John Laska Phil and Anita Tomlinson Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy YanceyColumbus High Teachers Rick and Jan UsseryClarie Dunlap Rick and Jan UsseryEducators Dave and Dominique WilliamsDr. Jackie Flakes Mr. and Mrs. Jack Key, IIIElizabeth Flowers Fober Mr. and Mrs. George FlowersDr. Spencer and The Reverend

Dr. Cindy Garrard Donna and Billy Kemp

Jack and Jane Goldfrank Colonel (Ret.) and Mrs. Greg CampSheryl Green Janet DavisRichard Green Tina and Don JonesGinger Harper Tripp and Alice WadeDr. Thomas Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Roger HatcherThe Harvard Fellows 2022

Mr. and Mrs. Michael SilversteinHilde Holmes Mrs. Wendy HardingPat Kelley Wes and Selwyn KelleyCharleton Kennon Mr. and Mrs. George FlowersShane Larkin Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy YanceyDr. Stefan Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy YanceyDr. David Lewis Lori Auten Dr. Philip SchleyDr. David and Mrs. Karen Lewis Janet Davis Marquette and Rick McKnightSara Mack Steve and Pam Davis

Sheridan Mann Mr. and Mrs. Derek MannMarquette and Rick McKnight Janet Davis Michael EdmondsonMarquette McKnight Sally Baker Gayle Buie Dennis and Karen Cook Janet Davis Brooke Jones-Devlin Lizzie Diquattro Rita Ellis Michelle Folta Christy Grigsby Cindy Godwin Joseph Golden Karlyn McConnell Mace Colin Martin Marty and Sandy McCann Suzanne Morton Ruth Nichols Jeanella Pendleton Lynne Phillips Tommy and Nancy Prescott Bobby Rocha Gwen Ruff Wanda Rutledge Iris Saltiel Mike Venable and Jill Tigner

In Honor of

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Scott Allen, Chair 2WR ArchitectsWarren Steele, Chair Elect Aflac, RetiredLen Williams, Treasurer Columbus Affordable Housing ServicesCarl Brown, Secretary C. Brown and AssociatesDr. Tom Hackett, TOTY Selection Chair EducatorSteve Davis, Past Chair Columbus Water WorksMarquette McKnight, Administrator Media, Marketing and More!

Dr. Jim Buntin Superintendent, RetiredJanet Davis Kinetic Credit Union, RetiredRita Ellis Key 2 Wall StreetMelanie Gouine MCSD Teacher of the Year 2018Michael Graydon SynovusSheryl Green MCSD Teacher of the Year 2015Kerry Hand Communicorp, RetiredJohn Dale Hester TSYS, RetiredPat Hugley-Green Chair, MCSD School BoardWes Kelley Brasfield & Gorrie Donna Kemp MREA (MCSD Principal, Retired)Bob Kidd Hecht Burdeshaw ArchitectsShane Larkin MCSD Teacher of the Year 2017Dr. David Lewis MCSD SuperintendentMark Littleton Kinetic Credit UnionDerek Mann SynovusBridget Markwood Education ConsultantJerald Mitchell Greater Columbus, GA Chamber of CommerceLinda Nguyen Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & FordDr. John Phillips, Jr. MCSD Superintendent, RetiredJosh Reynolds TSYS/Global Payments Keith Seifert MCSD Chief Academic OfficerGuy Sims MCSD Superintendent, RetiredRichard Smith GA State RepresentativeJudy Thomas Columbus City CouncilorMartha Ann Todd Columbus Technical CollegeTy Webb Barge Design SolutionsMike Welch Colony BankBrenda Williams Office of U.S. Senator Warnock

Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation

Board of Directors

MEEF’s Report to the Community covers more than a year in the lives of MCSD

students and teachers: from the last months of the 2019-2020 school year through the first months of the 2021-2022 school year.

Some of the photos in this annual report were taken prior to the pandemic, before

masking and social distancing were part of standard protocols. In a few cases, people were unmasked briefly for the purposes of

photography. Please be assured that all safety precautions were observed in the

taking of these photos.

214 A 10th Street Columbus, GA 31901

706-660-9702

meefofcolumbus.org

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Teachers are Heroes Like Never Before - Muscogee